Jackson to be among youth hunters at Turkey Hunt

Courtney Jackson of El Dorado has been chosen to be one of six Kansas youth to participate in the 27th annual Kansas Governor's One Shot Turkey Hunt.

Julie Clements

Courtney Jackson of El Dorado has been chosen to be one of six Kansas youth to participate in the 27th annual Kansas Governor's One Shot Turkey Hunt.

The event will be held April 11, 12 and 13 in El Dorado.

Jackson has been involved with the Turkey Hunt for several years.

"My family has always participated in it for the older groups," Jackson said.

That includes letting people hunt on their land for the event.

"We've always gone to the banquets and supported it," she said.

But it wasn't until a few years ago Jackson learned about the youth hunting side of the event.

"I love hunting, I love fishing, I love being outside and activities like this," she said.

So applying for the hunt was a natural fit.

Jackson hunts prairie chickens and deer with her family.

"I'm not deep into turkey hunting so that is why I thought it would be so fun to do this," Jackson said. "I am really serious about deer hunting. You're usually out there for days and days before you see a deer and get a chance to shoot. I love being out there and surrounded by the nature."

She recalled one year when there was a late fall and the trees had just turned.

"I love all of the beautiful colors and love watching the birds," she said. "One time we got to watch yearling bucks play around.

"This (the Turkey Hunt) will give me the opportunity to meet other youth and go with someone to guide me and hunt somewhere other than on my land," she said.

In addition to the youth, hunters from many states have committed to participate this year including Kansas Gov. Sam Brownback.

Former Kansas Governor Mike Hayden will also attend the three-day event. Hayden teamed up with former El Dorado Chamber of Commerce president Marv McCown in 1987 to establish the event.

Also, Alex Rutledge of Bloodline TV on the Pursuit channel will be at the 2013 event, as well as Fred & Michele Eichler, outdoor hunting couple filming for Easton Bowhunting TV. Outdoor personality Rob Keck will emcee the evening events.

Events this year include a Thursday Celebrity Social and a guide/celebrity get-acquainted social, the "Big Tom" hog roast social on Friday and the Saturday "One Shot" banquet. The "Big Tom" and the "One Shot" will be held at the Butler Community College Hubbard Welcome Center in the Clifford Stone Room.

The hunt is managed by executive director Janet Post and headquartered at 200 S. Main.